WCICA 2018

A sales executive has who was caught drink driving also had a bag of cocaine stashed in his jacket.

Adam Shuttleworth was behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta when he was pulled over on Scorer Street, in North Shields.

A court heard that police officers had been following the 29-year-old, who has a previous conviction for possessing cannabis with intent to supply, when the activated their blue lights and got him to stop.

Go here for the latest reports and live updates from North East courts

They immediately noticed Shuttleworth was drunk and, because of his history, asked if he was carrying drugs.

Magistrates in North Tyneside were told that he confessed to having a bag of cocaine hidden in his jacket, which he gave to the officers.

Now, Shuttleworth, of Lancefield Avenue, in Walker, has been banned from the roads for 20 months and ordered to pay fines totalling £692 after he pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and possessing a class A drug.

Rehana Haque, prosecuting, said police spotted Shuttleworth driving along Billy Mill Avenue on on the evening of November 13 this year.

“They followed the vehicle and witnessed a male being dropped off,” Mrs Haque continued. “They then witnessed it turn on to Scorer Street and activated their blue lights and caused the vehicle to stop.

“They approached the driver’s side and spoke with the defendant. They could immediately smell alcohol on him.

“They asked the defendant if he had been drinking and he replied “One or two”.”

After revealing he was also carrying cocaine, Shuttleworth failed a roadside breath test, later giving a reading of 79mcg in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35.

Mark Harrison, defending, said Shuttleworth had since acknowledged he had a drinking problem and had sought help.

The solicitor added: “He works full time. His employers are sympathetic. He works in sales and does well.”

Shuttleworth was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £35 victim surcharge.

For daily news from the North East’s courts direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free court newsletter

Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/walker-sales-executive-caught-drink-22331099